Hull boss Steve Bruce is concerned by his team's failure to convert chances following the goalless draw with his former employers Crystal Palace at the KC Stadium.

The Tigers enjoyed the better of the game against one of their npower Championship promotion rivals but were unable to collect a vital three points after a whole host of chances went begging

Influential midfielders Robert Koren and Stephen Quinn were guilty of failing to find the net, with the former missing a first-half sitter, while substitute Aaron Mclean was denied by a wonderful save from Julian Speroni in the dying moments.

"We couldn't have played any better, especially in the first half," Bruce said. "If I had to be critical over the last five or six months, we are creating some really good chances but we don't take them.

"The chances we had in the first half and the crosses we put in were breathtaking. Unfortunately, Koren will be on 'Christmas Bloopers' that comes around every year. He can join me. I was on there for about 10 years!

"Quinn and (Sone) Aluko as well. We have had 19 attempts which is a colossal amount. But we haven't taken one and that's key to a game of football. Your team is only as good as its strikers. It concerns me."

Apart from late chances for Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha, Hull's defence performed admirably against a team that had scored in every game this season.

The former Manchester United defender, who had a short spell in charge of the Eagles, added: "I thought we were the better side. It was a clean sheet. We have nothing to fear in the league."

Palace manager Ian Holloway was left disappointed by the referee's decision not to dismiss last man Robbie Brady, who was only booked for his late trip on Zaha.

"They said his touch went too far and rolled to the goalie," said Holloway. "Their fellow didn't play the ball and that ruined his touch.

"As we all know, he would have probably outpaced him, got past him and then that would have been a goalscoring opportunity. So it was all a bit strange."

Holloway felt his side grew in stature as the game progressed.

He said: "They had the better of the first half. I felt we didn't get to grips with their shape and what they were doing.

"I'm relieved to be 0-0 at half-time and in the second half I thought the longer it went on, the more imposing we got. We looked pretty good as the game went on and that is full credit to the lads."

Holloway also blasted the scheduling of the league fixtures, adding: "It's a madness of a trip that we will now get back at 3am after coming up to Leeds (on Saturday). That computer that does these games needs a right good volley!